For the first time six ENU ceremonies will be held this autumn
More than 1,800 Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) students are on track to collect their degrees during a bumper week of graduations at the Usher Hall.
The number of autumn graduation ceremonies has increased to six for 2024 – and they coincide with the arrival an ENU addition to the Edinburgh Trams network.
The Must Be Napier branded tram will be carrying new graduates, friends, and family across the city as they celebrate their achievements.
The ceremonies will also see the return of The Napier Graduate pub, which will see Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road renamed and decked out in Edinburgh Napier red for the week.
For the new graduates, it is an opportunity to reflect on the completion of their studies.
35-year-old Steven Halloren (above) from Edinburgh will be among those crossing the stage, graduating with an MSc Human Resources Management. He took the decision to go to university to study part-time while continuing his career in business consulting.
He said: “Studying at Edinburgh Napier has been an amazing experience from start to finish.
“Going to university was a transformative decision, especially as a mature student. It’s a bit of a culture shock at first to balance the commitment on top of a busy career, but it has taught me to think and challenge myself.
“I did my dissertation on mergers and acquisitions from an organisational culture perspective, so I was able to apply it to work straight away.
“I’ve just started my doctorate, which is something I thought I would never do. It focusses on the role AI can play in the business world.
“Seeing the enthusiasm and passion from the academics at Edinburgh Napier has inspired me to keep going.”
Learning Disability Nursing Lecturer Sam Abdulla, whose picture features on the side of the Must Be Napier tram, will be watching another cohort of students graduate this week.
He said: “Graduation is without doubt the highlight of our year. It’s the reason we do what we do.
“Seeing our students celebrate alongside their families, loved ones and colleagues is a reminder of all the hard work they’ve put into their journey at Edinburgh Napier.
“I can’t wait to see the difference that our latest graduates will make and the careers they go on to build.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s autumn graduation ceremonies are taking place at the Usher Hall between 29-31 October.